When you think of Emily Ratajkowski, or Em Rata as the world affectionately knows her, you probably think of high-fashion runways, viral Instagram moments, or her best-selling book. But beyond the glitz of the red carpet, Emily has established herself as a true style icon in a different arena: interior design. The em rata house in Los Angeles isn’t just a place to sleep; it is a meticulously curated, private creative oasis that perfectly mirrors her eclectic and sophisticated personality.
Located in the trendy neighborhood of Echo Park, this home is a masterclass in blending mid-century modern architecture with a bohemian, art-filled soul. For anyone interested in celebrity-inspired interior design trends, Emily’s home offers a blueprint for creating a space that feels both “high-end” and “lived-in.” It’s a far cry from the cold, sterile mansions we often see in Hollywood. Instead, Emily Ratajkowski’s home feels warm, vibrant, and deeply personal.
Em Rata’s Journey to Her Dream LA House
Before Emily became the queen of Echo Park, her living situation looked quite different. Like many creatives, her style evolved as she moved between the two fashion capitals of the United States. To understand the em rata house, you first have to understand her journey.
From NYC Lofts to California Sunshine
Emily spent a significant amount of time in New York city, living in lofts that featured high ceilings, industrial “bones,” and plenty of room for her growing art collection. The Ratajkowski loft style was defined by exposed brick and open spaces. However, in 2018, she decided to plant deeper roots in Los Angeles. She wasn’t looking for a cookie-cutter mansion in Beverly Hills. Instead, she sought out something with character, eventually landing on a mid-century gem in Echo Park.
- Creative Community: The neighborhood is famous for being a hub for artists, musicians, and writers.
- Privacy: Tucked away in the hills, the luxury home offers a “treehouse” feel, shielding it from the paparazzi.
- Architectural Integrity: The area is filled with mid-century homes that haven’t been “gutted” and lost their soul.
The Business of Celebrity Real Estate
For those in the design and real estate business, the Em Rata LA house is a perfect example of how “micro-mansions” are becoming a significant trend. Not every celebrity wants a 10,000-square-foot house. There is a growing demand for homes that prioritize design over size. When a star like Emily chooses a mid-century cottage over a modern mega-mansion, it shifts the market and boosts the desirability of smaller, architecturally unique properties.
Exterior and Architectural Highlights of Em Rata’s House
The first thing you notice about the em rata house is how it interacts with nature. The architecture is a classic example of mid-century modern design, emphasizing bringing the outdoors in.
A Facade of Glass and Geometry
The exterior features massive windows and geometric cutouts that flood the interior with natural light. The house utilizes exposed beams and natural wood, which helps it blend into the lush greenery of the Echo Park hills. One of the standout features is a 15-foot-high rustic brick fireplace that serves as the spine of the house, visible from both inside and out.
The Breezeway and Guest Cottage
One of the most unique aspects of the property is the breezeway. This covered outdoor path connects the main living area to a detached guest cottage. This layout is incredibly functional for a creative professional. Emily has used this extra space for various purposes, including a home office and a gym. It provides the essential “work-from-home” boundary while maintaining aesthetic consistency.
Quick Specs of the Em Rata House
FeatureDetails
Total Size Approx. 1,650 sq ft
Bedrooms/Baths 3 Bedrooms / 3 Bathrooms
Neighborhood Echo Park, Los Angeles
Architectural Style Mid-Century Modern
Key Highlight : 15-foot brick fireplace & detached cottage
Inside the Living Spaces: Em Rata House Tour
Stepping inside the Emily Ratajkowski home feels like walking into a high-end art gallery that somehow encourages you to kick off your shoes and stay a while. The interior design is a beautiful contradiction: it is curated but messy, expensive but approachable.
The Open Living Area
The heart of the home is the open-concept living room. Emily kept the walls crisp, gallery-white, which serves as a blank canvas for her massive collection of contemporary art. The floors are a mix of polished concrete and warm wood, providing an industrial yet cozy foundation.
Layered Textures and Bohemian Vibes
To soften the “sharp” lines of the mid-century architecture, Emily uses layered rugs. You’ll see colorful Persian rugs stacked atop larger, neutral jute pieces. This is a classic bohemian design trick that adds instant warmth to a room.
- Furniture: She mixes vintage finds with modern classics. Think velvet sofas in bold colors like mustard yellow or deep green, paired with glass coffee tables.
- Lighting: Instead of standard recessed lighting, she opts for statement floor lamps and vintage sconces that create a moody, intimate atmosphere in the evening.
Art as a Focal Point
In the em rata house, art isn’t just an accessory; it’s the main event. She is famously the owner of works by Henry Taylor and various other contemporary artists. These aren’t just small prints; we are talking about floor-to-ceiling canvases that command attention. By keeping the furniture relatively low-profile, she allows the art to be the “hero” of the room.
H3: The Hallway and Transitions
Even the hallways in the Emily Ratajkowski interior design scheme are interesting. With geometric white walls and strategically placed mirrors, the transitions between rooms feel like an extension of the living space. It’s an excellent lesson for homeowners: don’t ignore your “pass-through” spaces!
Kitchen and Entertaining in Emily Ratajkowski’s Home
If the living room is for art, the kitchen is for life. Emily has often shared glimpses of her kitchen on social media, showing a space that is as functional as it is fashionable.
The Custom Island and Layout
The kitchen features a large custom island that serves as the central gathering point. In a house of this size, the kitchen needs to be efficient. The layout is open, allowing whoever is cooking to remain part of the conversation in the dining and living areas.
Bright Accents and Natural Light
Natural light is a recurring theme in the em rata house. The kitchen is no exception. With large windows overlooking the backyard, the space feels bright and airy. She uses state-of-the-art appliances but hides them behind custom cabinetry to maintain a sleek, uninterrupted look.
Entertaining Style
Emily’s home is designed for “quiet dinners” and “formal entertaining” alike. The dining area, just off the kitchen, features a simple wooden table that seats a group of friends for a late-night pasta dinner.
3 Decor Tips from Em Rata’s Kitchen:
- Mix Mid-Century with Bold Colors: Don’t be afraid to put a bright red toaster or colorful ceramics on a vintage wooden shelf.
- Maximize Windows: If you have a view, let it be the backsplash.
- Layer Textures: Use marble countertops with wooden stools to create a balanced, tactile experience.
Main Suite and Private Retreats in Em Rata’s House
The upstairs of the house is where the “oasis” vibe really takes over. The main suite is often described as having a “treehouse feel” because of its elevation and the massive windows that look directly into the surrounding canopy of trees.
The Sanctuary of the Main Bedroom
The bedroom is minimalist compared to the rest of the stunning house. The focus here is on serenity. Soft linens, neutral tones, and the view of the greenery outside make it the perfect place to escape the hustle of Hollywood.
The Skylit Bathroom
One of the most luxurious features of Emily Ratajkowski’s home is the bathroom. It features multiple skylights, allowing you to bathe under the stars or in the bright morning sun. It’s a spa-like environment that uses natural stone and high-end fixtures to create a sense of luxury without being “gaudy.”
The Walk-in Closet
You can’t talk about a supermodel’s home without mentioning the closet. While Emily’s house is smaller than some celebrity mansions, her walk-in closet is a masterpiece of organization. It’s designed to hold her extensive wardrobe while remaining accessible and uncluttered.
Comparison: Em Rata House vs. Standard LA Homes
FeatureEm Rata’s ChoiceStandard LA Modern Home
Master Windows Floor-to-ceiling “treehouse” views, Standard sliding glass doors.
Bathroom Light, Multiple architectural skylights , Single overhead light fixture
Guest Space Detached breezeway cottage Attached guest room or none
Flooring Mix of concrete and vintage wood, Uniform laminate or carpet
Art Collection and Eclectic Decor Secrets
Emily Ratajkowski is a serious art collector, and her home is the ultimate proof. The em rata house is a treasure trove of contemporary pieces, vintage finds, and personal mementos.
The Philosophy of “High-Low” Decorating
One of the secrets of Emily Ratajkowski’s interior design is the “high-low” mix. She isn’t afraid to place a costly, one-of-a-kind painting next to a rug she found at a local flea market. This makes the space feel authentic.
Sourcing from Flea Markets
Emily has often mentioned her love for flea markets. She looks for items that have a “story”—a weathered leather chair, a vintage brass lamp, or an oddly shaped vase. These pieces add a layer of history to the mid-century architecture that new furniture can’t provide.
The Influence of the NYC Loft
Even though she’s in LA, the Ratajkowski loft style is still present. You can see it in the use of cowhide rugs and industrial metal accents. She has successfully brought the “edginess” of New York to the “softness” of Echo Park.
How to Curate Your Own Art Wall
If you want to replicate the look of the em rata house, start with your art.
- Statement Pieces: Choose one large painting to be the anchor of the room.
- Rotate Often: Don’t feel like your art has to stay in the same place forever. Emily frequently moves pieces around to keep the energy fresh.
- Unify with Color: Even if the art’s styles are different, try to find a common color thread that ties them to your rugs or furniture.
Em Rata House: Design Lessons for Your Space
You don’t need a multi-million dollar budget to take inspiration from Emily’s home. The em rata house is full of actionable takeaways that anyone can use to elevate their living space.
Balance the Old and the New
The biggest lesson here is balance. If you have a very modern sofa, pair it with a vintage coffee table. If your walls are minimalist and white, fill them with colorful, expressive art. This contrast is what creates visual interest.
Prioritize Light and Air
Emily’s home proves that you don’t need a huge house if you have great light.
- Mirrors: Use large mirrors to bounce light around smaller rooms.
- Window Treatments: Keep them simple. Emily often leaves windows bare or uses sheer fabrics to let as much light in as possible.
Multi-Use Spaces
The guest cottage in the Em Rata LA house is a great reminder to make your home work for your lifestyle. If you have a spare shed or a large garage, consider turning it into a dedicated “creative zone” or home office. Separating your work life from your personal life is essential for mental well-being, especially for business owners.
Rug Layering Hacks
If your room feels a bit “cold,” try the rug layering trick. Put down a large, inexpensive sisal rug first, then place a smaller, more colorful vintage rug on top at an angle. It adds depth and instant “cool factor.”
Em Rata’s LA Home Evolution and Updates
Since moving into the Echo Park house in 2018, Emily’s life has changed significantly. She became a mother and also welcomed her famous dog, Colombo, into the mix.
Making the Home Pet and Child Friendly
The em rata house has had to evolve to accommodate a large dog and a toddler. This meant choosing more durable fabrics and ensuring that the “art gallery” vibe didn’t come at the expense of safety. However, she hasn’t sacrificed her style. She’s found ways to make “chic” work with “real life.”
